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Key Revenue Indicators Overview

Blueis positive Yellow is caution Red is negative

Property Tax

The ad valorem tax revenues are derived from taxes levied on real property, personal property and state assessed utilities. This is one of the largest revenue sources for the City of Topeka, with ad valorem taxes levied for 3 City funds. Property tax collections for 2017 year to date are $23,295,837, which is a 3.42% increase over the 2016 collections of $22,524,844. The City receives property tax allocations from the County primarily twice a year in January and July with a smaller allocation in the fall.

Sales Tax

The City of Topeka receives two sales taxes for direct operations: a city wide 1 cent sales tax for general purposes and a 1/2 cent sales tax set aside for existing street improvements. Total sales tax collections for 2017 year to date are $23,268,903, which is a 3.23% increase over the 2016 collections of $22,444,021. The City receives monthly disbursements from the State of Kansas, these allocations have a two month lag compared to when they are collected versus when the City receives them.

Franchise Fees

These revenues are based on agreements between the City and local utilities. Generally, these agreements are long term and result in payments to the City of 5-6% of utility revenues. All franchise fee revenues are credited to the General Fund. Sources of franchise fees tend to be volatile, based on the weather, commodity pricing and utility rates. Franchise fee collections are up 1.91% in 2017 with collections of $6,968,529, compared to 2016 collections of $5,837,934.

Water Fees

Customers in the City are charged a fee for water services, fees are reviewed on an annual basis to ensure adequate future financial planning and the capacity to maintain, preserve and enhance the infrastructure of the City water system. Water fees for service are up 5.34% in 2017 with billings of $14,571,153, compared to 2016 billings of $13,833,108.

Wastewater Fees

Customers in the City are charged a fee for wastewater disposal, fees are reviewed on an annual basis to ensure adequate future financial planning and the capacity to maintain, preserve and enhance the infrastructure of the City wastewater system. Wastewater fees for service are up 5.85% in 2017 with billings of $13,537,759, compared to 2016 billings of $12,790,055.